What do I know of Holy?

Over the last couple of days, God has brought a lot of things back into perspective. My heart is overwhelmed by some of the events that have had an indirect impact on my life. It began with the unexpected passing of a dear friend's mother. Seeing the grief that has consumed the lives of so many just makes my heart ache. It's never easy to see the ones you love mourn.

While we pray for the healing of hearts, I am reminded of another that is lost. Today marks one month since a local teen girl has gone missing. I can't drive down the main highway without wanting to break down into tears. Pink ribbons line the road as they hang from mail boxes and on road signs. Her disappearance makes me want to cling even tighter to my own daughter. I can't imagine the uncertainty of everyday...the waiting. A recent news article quoted a relative stating that she just waits to hear her car in the drive way and her foot steps on the porch. They have not lost hope in her safe return. I can only pray for their strength and peace until their child is found.

The final thing that has challenged me in ways that I could not have expected...maybe ever, is the recent situation brought to my attention by a dear friend. The woman's name is Lindsey Dennis and her story of courage, bravery, and unshakeable faith in the Lord has broken me and challenged my faith. I long to share the level of intimacy that she has with the Lord. The scripture that tells us to "consider all things joy" has taken on a whole knew meaning. On September 1, 2013, she bore and then lost their beautiful, first born daughter. I cannot do justice to her exquisite, heart felt story, nor can I explain her heart in the beautiful manner in which she shares with her readers. Please read her story and please keep them in prayer. God has laid this family on my heart so heavily. Even now, I can't help but shed tears for their loss and yet rejoice in the truth that their precious Sophia is perfect and resting in the arms of Jesus.

As I was rocking my miracle to sleep this evening, I sat in awe of the blessing that I have been so fortunate hold in my arms for 4 months now. I remain in constant wonder of how she grows and all that she means to me. I can only imagine the amazing things that God has for her to do. As I rocked, humming a lullaby, my mind wandered back to Lindsey's most recent post in which she tells about celebrating the birthday and heavenly homecoming of her daughter. I began pouring my heart to my Savior. How can she sing and rejoice in the face of such grief and pain? I hate being away from my daughter for an hour, let alone having her leave this earth. I was reminded of Lindsey's strength and her perspective. She rejoices in the fact that her daughter is with Jesus. She rejoices in the fact that her daughter will not know pain or sin. Her perspective is "Heavenward"...not Earthbound.

I felt so very humbled. As I continued to snuggle my Snickerdoodle as she headed towards Dreamland, I asked God to help me gain this perspective. I have been completely challenged to love the Lord with such a fierce passion. The song "What Do I Know of Holy" by Addison Road came into my mind.

It made me think...what do I know of Holy? In Lindsey's posts, it is clearly evident that she continually "tastes and sees that the Lord is good." Her faith and ferocity for the Lord allows her to see God in all things...His goodness in ALL things.

I began thinking about some of the words from the song and I began reflecting on how much I could relate...

 

I guess I thought that I had figured You out
I knew all the stories and I learned to talk about
How You were mighty to save
Those were only empty words on a page
Then I caught a glimpse of who You might be
The slightest hint of You brought me down to my knees

So What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
So What do I know? What do I know of Holy?

(Song lyrics...)

 

 

How often have I thought that I've got God all figured out? I know what I want and I just assume that He'll want it for me too. Truth Alert: My will only aligns with God's will for me if I seek Him in it. His plan and His timing are ALWAYS so much better.

 

I recall the Bible stories of my childhood and I can recite scriptures that have been read to me since birth. However, making them applicable to my life is something I don't take nearly enough advantage of. God's Word is filled with life lessons, simple beautiful truths, promises, and hope. It is too rare a time that I make His words what they are meant to be in my life.

 

Over the last several years, I have caught glimpses of God in the most peculiar and amazing places. Not all of the situations screamed Danger! and not all of them were found in sweet solitude. God is constantly present...He is not missing when He is silent. He is very much involved. He is very active. He is in front of, behind, and beside me all the time. What an amazing reality! God is ever present and never changing.

 

So what do I know of Holy?

 

An online dictionary site provides several synonyms: blessed, sacred, consecrated, hallowed

 

I know that my soul longs for the presence of the Lord in every aspect of my life. I know that nothing is complete without Him. The magnitude of His love is incomprehensible. I know that His will for my life is better than anything I could imagine. The journey that He has me on is only that of a traveler in a foreign land. He holds the key to the Kingdom and willingly offers it to all of those who ask. He is generous. He is kind. he is merciful. He is jealous. He is compassionate. He is slow to anger. He is gracious. He is more than words on a page. He is fire. He is fury. He is beautiful.

 

He is Holy.